Sunday 12 July 2pm – 3pm

With Vicky Allan & Jackie Kemp

Dive into the wonderful world of wild swimming and discover the magic of open water in this warm and inspiring event.

Join award-winning feature writer Vicky Allan from The Herald & Times and acclaimed freelance journalist Jackie Kemp for a fascinating conversation exploring the powerful connection between water, wellbeing and creativity. Together, they bring to life the stories behind their anthology Take Me to the River, celebrating the rich literary heritage and personal awakenings found through wild swimming.

From its calming effect on the mind to its ability to awaken the senses, cold water swimming offers more than just physical benefits. It invites us to pause, breathe deeply and reconnect with the natural world.

Through personal reflections and shared experiences, Vicky and Jackie will explore how immersion in open water continues to inspire transformation, creativity and compelling storytelling.

The session will conclude with an open and engaging audience Q&A, an opportunity to dive deeper and share your own curiosity and experiences.

Following this event Jackie and Vicky plan a dip in the sea and invite you to join them.

Tickets £10

Link to buy tickets

https://events.humanitix.com/wild-about-wild-swimming

Link on our website

https://www.openroadltd.com/2026/06/wild-about-wild-swimming/

This programme is part of Aberdeen’s Festival of the Sea and supported by Aberdeen City Council’s Culture Investment Programme.

https://www.openroadltd.com/festival-of-the-sea-2024/

The post Wild About Wild Swimming appeared first on Fittie Community Development Trust.

Sunday 12 July 7pm – 8pm

The RNLI is a charity with over 200 years of history. Join us to learn about Aberdeen’s lifesaving history, including saving lives at sea during the extraordinary conditions of the Second World War.

This talk is part of our Stories of Courage 1939-45 project. RNLI Stories of Courage 1939–45 is made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, the RNLI can share these stories.

This is a free event. Turn up on the night or book a ticket in advance.

Link to book tickets:

https://events.humanitix.com/rnli-in-aberdeen-a-brief-history

Link on our website:

https://www.openroadltd.com/2026/06/rnli-in-aberdeen-a-brief-history/

This programme is part of Aberdeen’s Festival of the Sea and supported by Aberdeen City Council’s Culture Investment Programme.

https://www.openroadltd.com/festival-of-the-sea-2024/

The post RNLI in Aberdeen: A Brief History appeared first on Fittie Community Development Trust.

Wednesday 15 July – 2pm – 4pm

Thursday 16 July 4pm – 6pm

Friday 17 July 2pm – 4pm

An exhibition presenting a powerful set of testimonies and photographic portraits capturing the depth and breadth of perspectives across coastal communities of Scotland.

Coastal Testimonies is a collection of photographic portraits and personal testimonies from people across Scotland who are closely connected to the sea. The collection brings together voices from many walks of life; fishermen, scientists, educators, activists, young apprentices and lifelong coastal workers. Each person was invited to reflect on a simple set of questions about their lived experiences, hopes, concerns, and perspectives on the future of Scotland’s seas.

On Thursday 16 July we’re also delighted to welcome the Blue Marine Foundation to the exhibition, who will be sharing their engaging and interactive display about Scotland’s Marine Observatory, an inspiring chance to learn more about our ocean environment.

Free entry. No booking required.

Link on our website:

https://www.openroadltd.com/2026/06/coastal-testimonies-exhibition/

This programme is part of Aberdeen’s Festival of the Sea and supported by Aberdeen City Council’s Culture Investment Programme.

https://www.openroadltd.com/festival-of-the-sea-2024/

The post Coastal Testimonies Exhibition appeared first on Fittie Community Development Trust.

The Harbour Voices community choir has gone from strength to strength. We are made up of residents from the Fittie and Torry harbourside communities in Aberdeen, but are open to all and everyone is welcome to sing with us in a fun and supportive environment. Complete beginners to seasoned singers are welcome.  Refreshments are provided and there is plenty of time to chat.

The Harbour Voices choir is free to attend and refreshments are provided.

Please note that the choir will take a short break and will not run on Wednesday 24th June and Wednesday 1st July 2026.

The post Harbour Voices Choir appeared first on Fittie Community Development Trust.

Wednesday 15 July 6.30pm – 8pm

Come along and lift your voice in a fun, friendly workshop celebrating the joy of sea shanties and songs from around the world. Led by Sarah, the inspiring leader of the Harbour Voices Community Choir, this relaxed session is perfect for anyone who loves to sing, whether you’re a seasoned singer or simply enjoy a good tune in the shower!

You’ll learn well known favourites and discover new songs in a welcoming, supportive atmosphere. No prior experience is needed. Just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to join in.

If you’ve ever found yourself belting out The Wellerman at home, this is your chance to sing it with others and feel the energy of voices coming together.

Refreshments will be provided, making it a great opportunity to connect, have fun and be part of something uplifting and communal. All adults are warmly welcome.

Tickets £5. Tickets can be bought in advance via this link:

https://events.humanitix.com/sea-shanty-workshop

Link on our website

https://www.openroadltd.com/2026/06/sea-shanty-workshop/

This programme is part of Aberdeen’s Festival of the Sea and supported by Aberdeen City Council’s Culture Investment Programme.

https://www.openroadltd.com/festival-of-the-sea-2024/

The post Sea Shanty Workshop appeared first on Fittie Community Development Trust.

Thursday 16 July 2pm – 4pm

Join us for a relaxed and creative family session inspired by the beauty of the beach. Drop in anytime and enjoy a fun, hands on art workshop led by environmental artist Eve Mosher.

Using natural materials collected along the shoreline, Eve will guide you through simple and imaginative printing techniques. Create your own unique seaside inspired artwork on card or fabric. Perfect to take home as a special keepsake.

We’re also delighted to welcome the Blue Marine Foundation, who will be sharing their engaging and interactive display about Scotland’s Marine Observatory, an inspiring chance to learn more about our ocean environment.

While you’re here, take some time to explore the Coastal Testimonies Exhibition and discover powerful stories connected to our coast.

All ages and abilities are welcome. Come along, get creative, and be inspired by the sea!

Children must be accompanies by a responsible adults at all times.

This is a free drop in event.

Link on our website:

https://www.openroadltd.com/2026/06/family-drop-in-beach-themed-art-workshop/

This programme is part of Aberdeen’s Festival of the Sea and supported by Aberdeen City Council’s Culture Investment Programme.

https://www.openroadltd.com/festival-of-the-sea-2024/

The post Family Drop In Beach Themed Art Workshop appeared first on Fittie Community Development Trust.

Wednesday 15 July – 2pm – 4pm

Thursday 16 July 4pm – 6pm

Friday 17 July 2pm – 4pm

An exhibition presenting a powerful set of testimonies and photographic portraits capturing the depth and breadth of perspectives across coastal communities of Scotland.

Coastal Testimonies is a collection of photographic portraits and personal testimonies from people across Scotland who are closely connected to the sea. The collection brings together voices from many walks of life; fishermen, scientists, educators, activists, young apprentices and lifelong coastal workers. Each person was invited to reflect on a simple set of questions about their lived experiences, hopes, concerns, and perspectives on the future of Scotland’s seas.

On Thursday 16 July we’re also delighted to welcome the Blue Marine Foundation to the exhibition, who will be sharing their engaging and interactive display about Scotland’s Marine Observatory, an inspiring chance to learn more about our ocean environment.

Free entry. No booking required.

Link on our website:

https://www.openroadltd.com/2026/06/coastal-testimonies-exhibition/

This programme is part of Aberdeen’s Festival of the Sea and supported by Aberdeen City Council’s Culture Investment Programme.

https://www.openroadltd.com/festival-of-the-sea-2024/

The post Coastal Testimonies Exhibition appeared first on Fittie Community Development Trust.

Thursday 16 July 6pm – 8pm

Join artist Eve Mosher for a welcoming, hands on workshop that blends creativity with an environmental focus. Through a mix of monotyping, printing and imaginative exploration, you’ll learn simple lino block carving and gel plate techniques to create your own unique prints and monotypes.

Experiment with printing on paper, card or fabric, or bring along a piece of clothing to transform into something truly personal and one of a kind.

While you’re here, take time to experience the Coastal Testimonies Exhibition, where powerful stories of our coastline offer inspiration and a deeper connection to the natural world.

All are welcome. Come along, get creative, and be inspired.

All materials and refreshments are provided.

Tickets £20

Link to buy tickets

https://events.humanitix.com/sea-themed-printing-workshop

Link on our website:

https://www.openroadltd.com/2026/06/sea-themed-printing-workshop/

This programme is part of Aberdeen’s Festival of the Sea and supported by Aberdeen City Council’s Culture Investment Programme.

https://www.openroadltd.com/festival-of-the-sea-2024/

The post Sea Themed Printing Workshop appeared first on Fittie Community Development Trust.

Wednesday 15 July – 2pm – 4pm

Thursday 16 July 4pm – 6pm

Friday 17 July 2pm – 4pm

An exhibition presenting a powerful set of testimonies and photographic portraits capturing the depth and breadth of perspectives across coastal communities of Scotland.

Coastal Testimonies is a collection of photographic portraits and personal testimonies from people across Scotland who are closely connected to the sea. The collection brings together voices from many walks of life; fishermen, scientists, educators, activists, young apprentices and lifelong coastal workers. Each person was invited to reflect on a simple set of questions about their lived experiences, hopes, concerns, and perspectives on the future of Scotland’s seas.

On Thursday 16 July we’re also delighted to welcome the Blue Marine Foundation to the exhibition, who will be sharing their engaging and interactive display about Scotland’s Marine Observatory, an inspiring chance to learn more about our ocean environment.

Free entry. No booking required.

Link on our website:

https://www.openroadltd.com/2026/06/coastal-testimonies-exhibition/

This programme is part of Aberdeen’s Festival of the Sea and supported by Aberdeen City Council’s Culture Investment Programme.

https://www.openroadltd.com/festival-of-the-sea-2024/

The post Coastal Testimonies Exhibition appeared first on Fittie Community Development Trust.

Friday 17 July Doors 6.30pm. Film starts 7pm

Join us for a powerful and thought provoking screening of A Line in the Sound, a moving new film that explores the changing story of Scotland’s inshore waters and why their protection matters more than ever.

Told through the personal experiences of a local scallop diver, the film offers a deeply human perspective on the dramatic changes witnessed beneath the surface. Once-thriving seabeds, rich with life and opportunity, are remembered through stories passed down across generations and set against the reality of today’s fragile marine environment.

Yet this is also a story of hope. A Line in the Sound highlights the resilience of nature and the remarkable recovery that is possible when our seas are given the care and protection they deserve.

This special screening is presented in partnership with #OurSeas and connects with the Coastal Testimonies Exhibition, offering an opportunity to reflect, learn and take inspiration from those working to protect our ocean spaces.

Free event – all are welcome. Come along, be inspired, and join the conversation about the future of our seas.

Link to the event on our website

https://www.openroadltd.com/2026/06/film-screeninga-line-in-the-sound/

This programme is part of Aberdeen’s Festival of the Sea and supported by Aberdeen City Council’s Culture Investment Programme.

https://www.openroadltd.com/festival-of-the-sea-2024/

The post Film Screening: A Line in the Sound appeared first on Fittie Community Development Trust.